Spy Movie: The Play! - Above at Pleasance Courtyard - Edinburgh Fringe Review

Albert Cabbage wants to make the best Spy movie ever, but there’s a problem, and it isn’t just that he has much bigger ideas then the writer. They haven’t got the budget to make a movie. So, what can they do? Well, of course, they can stage their spy epic as a play instead! What matter way to bring in the investors, especially man from Hollywood, Gary. But the leading lady is refusing the wear the blonde wig, the leading man is a no show, and the stuntman has realised he’s got to do a lot more than he signed up for.

Written by Jack Michael Stacey and Matthew Howell (who also stars in multiple roles), the pair are no strangers to great comedy having met whilst working on ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ and go on to star together as Chris and Robert in the UK Tour of ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’. And ‘Spy Movie: The Play!’ proves them to be incredible comedy writers as they create a whirlwind adventure that celebrates all things spy film using a plethora of props, a ridiculous number of hats and countless brilliantly clever and silly puns.

Its ‘Time To Definitely Die Again Maybe’ as Ian Flemish (James Watterson) finally finishes writing his Dick Hardwood spy novel series but EVIW (Every Villian in the world) have a plot to use that final manuscript to take over the world. Enter Jane Blonde (Jo Hartland), the spy challenged to stop EVIW and save the world, with Ian’s help.

Hartland’s lead actress as Jane Blonde is every part the spy hero, classy, stylish, slick and sly, with enough catchphrases and clever one liners to give Bond a serious run for his money. Watterson’s actor was meant to just be the stuntman but is pushed to his limits as Ian Flemish, with hilarious results. Watterson, who has spent time in ‘The Play The Goes Wrong’, displays spot on comic timing and a natural flair for this silly style of comedy, juggling props with ease, even when they go a little haywire.

Matthew Howell and Emily Waters play multiple characters, including Albert Cabbage, the writer, baddies Mr Lovely and Mr Jubbly and the evil Mr and Mrs Hugs, all whilst whizzing in and out of the action with many different props and balancing (sometimes literally) multiple different hats. Also, make sure you get to this show with plenty of time to spare in order to enjoy Howell's improvisation skills as he interacts with the audience before the show begins.

Now playing its second fringe series, and fresh from a UK Tour, this is a masterfully crafted piece of comedy that is sure to please and entertain both spy film enthusiasts and those who have never seen a spy movie. Yes, there are jokes there for those who love the genre, but the slapstick style, gags made through the use of budget friendly props, and pace of the action will delight any audience, of any age. It’s incredibly silly, yet very clever, every joke and pun lands, every prop is used to its maximum and the spy story itself is wrapped up neatly with a spectacular conclusion.

‘Spy Movie: The Play!’ runs at the Above at Pleasance Courtyard until August 25^th.